title: The implementation of intentional rounding using participatory action research.
abstract: 'Intentional'/'hourly rounding' is defined as regular checks of individual patients carried out by health professionals at set intervals rather than a response to a summons via a call bell. Intentional rounding places patients at the heart of the ward routine including the acknowledgement of patient preferences and in anticipation of their needs. The aim of this study was to implement intentional rounding using participatory action research to increase patient care, increase staff productivity and the satisfaction of care provision from both patients and staff. Outcomes of the study revealed a drop in call bell use, no observable threats to patient safety, nursing staff and patient satisfaction with care provision. However, any future studies should consider staff skill mix issues including the needs of newly graduated nursing staff as well as the cognitive status of patients when implementing intentional rounding on acute care wards.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jeffers
authors.forename: Ecushla
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Linedale
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kelman
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Killington
mesh_terms: D004526:Efficiency; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D056164:Teaching Rounds
keywords: hourly rounding; intentional rounding; nursing practice; participatory action research; patient comfort rounds